Tips Corner

Crafting Conversations

1. The Two Pillars of Creation: Separating Writing and Editing for a Stronger Narrative

I know, I know. You'll tell me this is not universal advice, and not everyone's mind will function this way.

But hear me out: the advice to treat writing and editing as distinct phases in the creative process is not merely a stylistic preference; it's actually a fundamental principle that underpins efficient and effective storytelling.

If you are editing at the same time while you are writing, that's like trying to tie your shoelaces while running!

To use a more sophisticated example, it is similar to attempting to sculpt clay while it's still being unearthed – the raw material hasn't yet been fully revealed, and premature refinement can stifle the very form you intend to create.

By recognizing writing and editing as separate, yet equally vital, pillars of creation, all authors can unlock a more fluid, productive, and ultimately rewarding journey toward a polished, impactful narrative.

While you are committing this initial act of writing, the first draft, you feel thrilled and exhilarated.

First drafts are, simply put, an exercise in uninhibited exploration. They are all about giving free rein to your thoughts — about allowing the story to flow from the depths of your imagination onto the page, capturing the essence of your characters, the skeletal structure of your plot, and the inkling of your theme.

So please, during this phase, attempt to silence your inner critic.

We are often tempted to stop mid-sentence or mid-paragraph to meticulously dissect grammar, fret over word choice, or question plot coherence. Don't do it!

This is akin to constantly interrupting a brainstorming session to demand perfectly formed ideas. Perfection is never accomplished on the first try.

Believe you me, this constant switching between the generative and the analytical mind creates friction and hinders the natural momentum of the narrative. It will often lead to a writer's block or a stifled creative flow.

Imagine a painter sketching the broad strokes of a landscape. They wouldn't stop after each line to debate the precise shade of green or the exact curvature of a hill. Their focus is on capturing the overall composition, the light and shadow, the overall feeling of the scene.

Similarly, I would compare your first draft to your literary sketch, a raw and imperfect representation of the story that lives within you. It's the foundation upon which you will later build and refine.

The temptation to immediately edit often stems from a desire for perfection, a yearning to see a polished product materialize instantly. However, this impatience can be counterproductive. You might spend hours agonizing over a particular sentence or paragraph, meticulously tweaking its rhythm and vocabulary, only to discover later that this entire section is ultimately redundant or needs to be dramatically reshaped to serve the evolving narrative. This premature focus on minutiae can lead to countless wasted hours and a sense of frustration as the story's true form remains obscured by layers of unnecessary polish.

The beauty of separating these stages lies in the freedom it grants during the initial writing process. Knowing that you don't need to achieve perfection in the first pass totally allows you to embrace the messy, unpredictable nature of your own creativity. You can explore tangents, experiment with different narrative paths, and allow your characters to surprise you without the constant fear of grammatical errors or plot inconsistencies derailing your progress.

This uninhibited approach often leads to richer, more authentic storytelling, as you are not constrained by the self-imposed limitations of the editing mindset.